Lower Big Quilcene River
Olympic Peninsula
The Lower Big Quilcene River trail is in excellent condition as of June 21, 2026. Recent trail work (reported completed by June 13) has rerouted a steep section, improving the grade with switchbacks. Wildflowers are abundant, and hikers are encountering numerous banana slugs.
The trailhead parking is limited, so consolidating vehicles is recommended. The pit toilet at the trailhead was reported as having toilet paper on June 20, but was locked in April and May. Access roads are generally good, though one report from April noted potholes on the road to the upper trailhead. Several reports mention the trail being wide and well-graded, with occasional overgrown sections easily navigated. Small stream crossings are present, with bridges over larger waterways. The footbridge at Camp Jolly is broken as of April, making the crossing tricky; hikers should be prepared to wade. Backpackers are common, particularly at Bark Shanty and Camp Jolly.
generated from 42 reports
Sources
A perfect day for a hike on the Peninsula! Our group of eight Mountaineers met at the Quilcene Ranger Station at 8:00am and consolidated cars since the parking at the Lower Big Quilcene trailhead is s...
A bit past the junction with the Notch Pass Trail, the Lower Big Quilcene Trail had a problem spot: A stretch was just too steep for hikers, bikers, and stock. So, over 3 days from June 11 to 13, Gra...
Despite weather forecasts indicating rain showers, We - myself and three others - decided to hike to Bark Shanty, stay overnight, and return. On Saturday, no rain until we hiked a distance then rain f...
Beautiful trail, in great condition! This was my first time on the Lower Big Quilcene. Backpacked it with a friend and my dog for two nights.We decided to beat the Memorial Day rush by arriving on Fri...
This is one of my top hikes in the PNW and I guess the word is out. In the past I could hike to Bark Shanty and maybe see 1-2 small groups.This weekend 5 of us hit the trail around 10 on Saturday to a...
May 8, 2026 4.5 out from the parking lot to Jolly CampMay 9, 2026 4.5 back to lot from Jolly campWe stayed only one night (family of three (12 year old in tow))Oh man! This trail is gorgeous! The fore...
From recent postings it would appear that this trail has been cleared a couple of times this spring (by WTA?). We didn't step over one log for our 8 mile round trip hike, and there is recent evidence...
Short overnight with the 6 yo to Bark Shanty. The trail is stunning shape the first few miles, pretty lush with a few wildflowers, charming creeks/tiny cascade pools that provide regular interest for ...
This morning I walked the Lower Big Quilcene for the first time in a couple of years. The road to the trailhead was in great condition. Unfortunately, the sign indicating the final turn to the trail...
Based on earlier trip reports, the Gray Wolf Trail Crew paid a visit to the upper end of this trail. We cleared the two reported trees plus two additional trees that had fallen between Camp Jolley an...
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